It was really awesome. I don’t remember if I has any issues with it as far as singal is concerned. Travelled to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Marbella, Cadiz and Seville. Signal strength was excellent. Skype and whatsup helped me keep in touch with my team back in the home country.

NEW ZEALAND TOURIST GUIDE

Panoramic views from Mount Victoria; the National Museum of New Zealand called “Te Papa”, famous for being one of the best interactive museums in the world; Oriental Bay, golden beach located in the city; and a fun visit to Weta Cave and Workshop (places where “The Lord of the Ring” trilogy was filmed), are some of the recommended activities found in the city of Wellington, capital of New Zealand. You can’t miss Auckland (biggest city in the country) with interesting tourist attractions such as the Sky Tower, one of the highest buildings worldwide. Don’t forget the Wynyard Quarter, the port Viaduct and Britomart because they are ideal places to spend a day of shopping. West Coast beaches and islands of the Hauraki Gulf invite you to enjoy water sports in the so-called “The City of Sails”. You are lucky if you are looking for active tourism: Destinations like Queenstown and the National Park of Fiordland will offer you the most wanted experience. Include Dunedin, Otago Peninsula and Northland (birthplace of Maori civilization) where you will discover beautiful paradise beaches such as Ninety Mile Beach or the Islands Poor Knights. In order to complete your travel plans, visit the web: Official Tourism New Zealand.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT NEW ZEALAND?

New Zealand is located in the south-western Pacific Ocean, 2.000 kilometres away from Australia. This country consists of the North Island and South Island, as well as many small islands, being Stewart or Cook some of the most famous. New Zealand is found in Oceania, with an area of 368,680 square kilometres, has a population of 4,5 million people and the vast majority of population has European descent. Native minorities such as Maori are settled in this country. New Zealand is located at Tasman Sea; this country has one of the best life quality index in the world. Regarding politics, the government is a parliamentary monarchy being Elizabeth II the monarch. The country includes three official languages: English, Maori and New Zealand sign language.

CURRENCY AND MONEY EXCHANGE

The official currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), normally lower value than the Australian and US dollar. Notes: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 NZ$, coins: 1 and 2 NZ$, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents. There are no limits for exporting/importing local currency and you can exchange money anywhere around the world, although it is recommended to do it upon your arrival if you wish to get a good deal. 1 new Zealand dollar is equivalent to approx. 0,67 euros and 0,75 American dollars. Airports, banks (opening hours: 09:00 am – 04:00 pm, Monday to Friday), shops, even hotels, offer money exchange to travellers. You will also find ATMs anywhere in the country because this is the best alternative in order to exchange money. Travel checks, especially American Express, are also accepted.

USEFUL INFORMATION: HEALTH, ELECTRICITY, TRANSPORT, SECURITY

If you are preparing your trip to New Zealand, the following tips will be of your interest: The country has excellent infrastructure regarding the health sector. If you need to visit a doctor, you should go to hospitals and government centres because they are more affordable than private hospitals and don’t forget to get a health insurance in order to be covered in case of an emergency. If you travel to the USA or Europe you are not required to be vaccinated, however you will have to vaccinate in case of a recent return from a country suffering from yellow flu. In this case, you need to evidence this vaccine with a proof of vaccination. Electricity is 240 volts, 50Hz. As for travel, the best option is to get a rental car. You can drive across both islands and cross it by ferry but you can also use public transportation in order to get around. Another good option is to join an organized excursion; air service links both islands. You shouldn’t worry about security, only beware of your personal belongings, this destination is 100% safe.

WHAT TYPE OF DOCUMENTATION DO I NEED TO TRAVEL TO NEW ZEALAND?

People from certain countries visa-free in New Zealand don’t need to apply for a visa for stays not exceeding 3 months. If you are a UK citizen, the time limit extends to 6 months. Australian people don’t need visa to enter a neighbouring country. Make sure you have a valid passport, the national identity card, and a valid driving license. We suggest you have a look at access and exit regulations in case changes have been followed; visit the web: Ministry of Foreign Affairs New Zealand.